ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

The music of Christian X Variations is a celebration of every human that speaks out against discrimination or mistreatment of minorities in their community. The title refers to the Danish King Christian X's efforts to protect Danish Jews from discrimination and deportation by the Nazis during World War II. The king declared that all Danes should wear the Star of David in the event that the Nazis forced Denmark's Jewish population to do so. It is this determination to unite and protect one's fellow citizens that inspired the compositions on this album.

The music is arranged for classical wind quintet and jazz quartet. It was recorded live in concert at Ronshoved Hojskole. For the concert I allied myself with musicians from all over the world: American saxophone legend Dick Oatts, who has been a regular collaborator with me over the years, the Puerto Rican drummer Henry Cole, American bass player Josh Ginsburg, as well as the wind quintet Kirin Winds with musicians from China, Germany, Norway and Denmark. This is a collaboration of high international standard, which creates a unique realm moving between classical music and jazz.

The Christian X Variations is a celebration. I hope you will come to celebrate with us.